Badge of honour – Emirati luxury brand Feathers salutes fallen soldiers

Feathers founder, Khalid Basaeed, talks about the brand’s best-seller, the Sheikh Zayed watch; the commemorative badges and pins designed as a mark of respect for soldiers; and the limited-edition collection launched for National Day.

Feather’s commemorative badges include pins honouring the UAE’s fallen soldiers. Courtesy Feathers

Emirati entrepreneur Khalid Basaeed launched his luxury-­goods company, Feathers, in Dubai five years ago when he spotted a gap in the market.

After studying in Scotland, and familiarising himself with leading high-end brands in Europe and the United States, he was keen to put the UAE on the luxury map.

Today, the 38-year-old’s Feathers boutiques are open across the country, stocking a range of traditional and exotic leather goods – ranging from men’s wallets to ladies handbags. The pieces predominantly incorporate Arabic motifs and regional architectural patterns, and also often draw inspiration from regional literature and popular culture. A limited-­edition collection has been launched for National Day.

“We have broaches and badges dedicated to National Day, but we also have burqa-inspired handbags, where the traditional accessory is embossed on leather,” says Basaeed

“The bags are available in nine colours and have a modern feel, while relating closely to the heritage of the UAE.

“The Sheikh Zayed watch is always a best-seller around National Day, too, and we have two versions. There’s an all-black one for men, and the women’s one has a lighter tone.”

With his keen eye for detail, Basaeed has ensured all of the components of the watches are symbolic.

“Both versions of the timepiece have the profile of Sheikh Zayed’s face and his name engraved on the dial, in addition to the UAE flag,” he says. “The minute hand is in gold and carries the ‘Z’ initial of Sheikh Zayed. It was designed in gold to reflect the golden era of his time. The leather we use is camel, an animal very close to Sheikh Zayed. In fact, the factory we source the leather from, which is located between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, was established by him.”

As for what National Day means to Basaeed, this year’s comme­moration of the country’s 44th anniversary is particularly noteworthy.

“Naturally, it’s a day when we remember all the leaders who established the UAE and dedicated their time and effort to provide this beautiful country and happy life for us,” he says. “We honour the founding fathers who have passed away and those who are alive.

“While we celebrate the UAE’s achievements annually, this National Day is a special one for the UAE because of the 50 soldiers we lost in the war in Yemen. We’re sad for the UAE’s loss, and to remember the soldiers, Feathers has created special commemorative badges, thanking them for their duty.”

• Leather goods at Feathers start at Dh350, rising to about Dh4,000 for select handbags. Call 02 550 7556 or visit www.feathers-fashion.com to see the latest items and locate your closest boutique